Welcome to NHL Rumours! We have just five days left until the NHL Trade Deadline. While rumours regarding players leaving their current team have surfaced, today’s rumour is the opposite. The St. Louis Blues have a veteran defenceman who is interested in remaining with the team.
NHL Rumours
St. Louis Blues Defenceman Interested in Extension
Rumour: According to Andy Strickland, a rinkside reporter for FanDuel Sports Midwest, veteran defenceman Ryan Suter is interested in remaining with the Blues. The 20-year veteran wants to sign an extension and move his family to St. Louis.
Ryan Suter says, with his wife’s blessing, he’d like to play beyond this season. He has really enjoyed his season in STL and has raved about the leadership of Brayden Schenn. He’s quietly said he’d like to move his family to STL full time if he gets extended. Wants to win but has…
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) March 2, 2025
Analysis: At first glance, this is a little shocking. Suter has not won a Stanley Cup in his career. At 40 years old, the opportunities are getting fewer and fewer. As a free agent at the end of the season, Suter could be traded to a contender at the deadline. However, Suter believes the team is capable of being a playoff team.
Suter Has Been An Asset to the Blues
Suter joined the Blues on a one-year contract this summer after being bought out by the Dallas Stars. The Blues brought in the veteran because of an injury to Torey Krug and Scott Perunovich’s uncertainty.
In 61 games with the Blue Note so far this season, Suter has recorded 12 points. Considering Suter has put up 40+ points throughout his career, they may seem underwhelming even for a 40-year-old. However, Suter has looked good on the ice and has not been a liability on defence. What he may be lacking in offence has been made up for by newcomers Cam Fowler and Philip Broberg.
Does It Make Sense for the Blues?
The only left-handed defencemen under contract for next season are Broberg, Krug, and Nick Leddy. However, Krug’s future is unknown due to his injury, and the Blues would like to get his salary off the cap. What happens with Suter may depend on what the Blues decide to do with Krug.
In the Blues minor league system, there are no left-handed defenceman who will be ready to join the NHL next season. They are probably a year or two away. So, it could make sense to bring back Suter to take a spot until the youngsters are ready.
Does it make sense to bring back Suter? It could definitely be an option. However, the front office needs to figure out a lot before making a decision.
Trade Implications
Heading into this deadline week, Suter is one of three Blues who could be traded, alongside captain Brayden Schenn and centre Radek Faksa. Both Schenn and Faksa have popped in rumours, and they would bring value to a contender.
However, Strickland’s report has some interesting bits. Strickland says Suter has enjoyed having Schenn as captain. In addition, there is Suter’s aforementioned belief that the Blues can be a playoff team. These two things contradict the idea that the Blues could be major sellers. Furthermore, it shows that there is belief in the Blues locker room that the team can be a playoff team.
General manager Doug Armstrong and future general manager Alexander Steen have some decisions to make in these next few days. It is an interesting week to be a Blues player, fan, coach, and office personnel.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry- Imagn Images
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